Tax questions

[vbgagnon]

Hey guys, are any of you pro tax guys? I'm trying to figure out what I can claim for work expenses. I've already filed this year but am looking for next year and to possibly to ammend this years and possible a few years past.

Let me know.

 

[rossb]

Hey guys, are any of you pro tax guys? I'm trying to figure out what I can claim for work expenses. I've already filed this year but am looking for next year and to possibly to ammend this years and possible a few years past.

Depends on what you do. Are you self employed? Did you file a Schedule-C?

 

[vbgagnon]

I'm a law enforcement officer. I did not file a schedule c. I'm wondering because I'm not supplied ammo to practice, extra magazines, a locker at home things like this. I know I can claim clothing and things like that, but I just don't want to get into any hot water. Know what I mean?

 

[FastEddy]

Anything that is MANDATORY for you to purchase for your job is deductible.
Items like uniforms and things of the sort.

Other then that, you may want to have your taxes done one time and ask a lot of questions.

 

[sweetdiesel]

Anything that is not reimbursed by your dept and is required or used for work is deductible. Make sure you have receipts for all items that you are claiming. You'll need unreimbursed business expenses to exceed 2% of your AGI in order to take a deduction. Items such as your locker at home can be deductible if it is required by your dept and not reimbursed.

A few other things you can deduct that you might not have thought of are

-training classes you paid for but where not reimbursed though your dept
-mileage for your personal vehicle if it was used to go to a training class or special assignment
-union dues
-if you are required to drive your dept car home and store it in the garage, you can deduct a portion of your home mortgage interest or rent that is proportionate to the size of your garage. If you own your own home, split the mortgage interest between unreimbursed business expense and mortgage interest on your schedule A. You'll also get to deduct a proportionate percentage of your homeowners insurance under unreimbursed business expense.

That's all I can think of right now, I'm sure you can find more. The important thing is to have documentation of your deductions.

 

[jetmechG550]

Dry cleaning for your uniforms is deductible. You gun is deductible, what you don't buy a new one every other year? LOL Ammo if your required to practice/site in whatever if your not reimbursed. Cell phone, if your required to have one for work and do not have a cell phone allowance. Any certifications you have to pay for or pay to maintain and are not reimbursed for.

 

[FastEddy]

Hookers, bribes, and snitch money are all deductible however need to be balanced out with "'Rock" taken from suspicious subjects as well as freebies from the local hookers.

Trust me the hookers are using freebies as a business expense and the IRS will cross reference them

 

[rossb]

You'll need unreimbursed business expenses to exceed 2% of your AGI in order to take a deduction.

This is true, you need to be above 2% of your AGI and you can only deduct the difference between your total deductions and 2% of your AGI. The ammo and mags are legit. The locker could be consider legit if it is ONLY used for your firearm. I would avoid the home office expense. You are not self employed so you do not file a Schedule-C. Your deductions go on a Schedule-A. You may have to fill out a 2106 or a 2106-EZ, read page A-6 here:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040sa.pdf

You can also slip in some charity deductions on your Sch-A without raising a red flag. Keep box 15 < $1800 and box 16 < $480.

 

[wannarunem]

Other then that, you may want to have your taxes done one time and ask a lot of questions.

Totally agree...go to a CPA. It will cost you a bit more but you can deduct that cost the next year.

 

[rossb]

It will cost you a bit more but you can deduct that cost the next year.

Tax prep fees are part of your Job Expenses and Misc Deductions (Sch-A Line 21). The tax prep fee will not be deducted if your total deductions are not more than 2% of your AGI.